Do you suffer from winter blues?

Simply existing in a season with so many dark and cloudy days, there are estimated 25 millions North Americans & Canadians who suffer from winter blues each year. 

If during the winter season only, you are ; bored and restless, fatigued, sleeping more than normal, grumpy, moody, loosing interest in sex, having trouble concentrating.  It’s likely that you’re suffering from a case of winter blues.  The winter blues should not be confused with a more serious condition known as seasonal disorder.  People with SAD feel depressed and fatigued to the point that their relationships and work life are beginning to suffer.  The winter blues are a {step down} from SAD and while it may cause you to feel moody, tired and cranky, it is not to same extent as the effects of SAD.

Winter blues occur when the days begin to darken and sunlight is scarce.  Sunlight is crucial to human health, and when we don’t get enough exposure to it our moods and physical health will suffer, more specifically your serotonin levels {the hormone associated with elevating your mood}.  Similarly, to sleep hormone melatonin also rises and falls {inversely} with light and darkness.  When it’s dark, your melatonin levels increase, which is why you feel naturally tired when it begins to get tired.

Sunlight affects the melatonin- serotonin system.  Studies have been found that light therapy, which is the practice of using full-spectrum light therapeutically, works to relieve the symptoms of winter blues & SAD better than antidepressant drugs.  Interestingly vitamins D, which require sun exposure to be produced in your body, is also linked to higher level of serotonin, and it has been suggested that getting plenty of sunlight over the summer helps your body to maintain higher vitamin D levels in the winter.  For those who cannot get away in the winter, it doesn’t hurt to go to a tanning salon, although inform yourself of their quality of lights: the best one out in the market is the full spectrum light.

Other suggestion would be: Exercise:   Getting out for a brisk walk 20 minutes can do wonders, yoga, and meditation.

Resist food cravings; eat healthy foods.

Take some Omega 3; fatty Acids oils are associated with decrease depression.

Change your routine, sometimes making small changes in your life is excellent way to pull yourself out of a funk .ex; new decoration in your home, purchasing aromatherapy, treating yourself to a massage, listen to relaxing music, and keep a journal of your emotions.

Remember Stay Free! Good Health is Good Living.

Anna R. Dias    Naturopathy/Reflexology